Cromer: Inquest opens into death of councillor and his wife

A Norfolk council leader suspected of shooting his wife then turning the gun on himself was found with the weapon at his side, a coroner has said.

Norfolk Police believe North Norfolk District Council leader Keith Johnson, 58, killed his wife Andrea, 44, with a shotgun before killing himself.

They are investigating possible motives including aspects of their personal lives.

Norfolk coroner William Armstrong opened and adjourned an inquest into the deaths.

He said a post-mortem examination found Mrs Johnson, formerly Chadwick, a customer services representative originally from Corby, Northamptonshire, was shot in the chest.

She was found in a neighbour's front garden and paramedics could not resuscitate her, Mr Armstrong said.

Mr Johnson, originally from Sheringham, was found in the back garden of the couple's home in Roughton, near Cromer, with a gunshot wound to the neck. Police believe he used one of four shotguns registered to his wife.

Mr Armstrong said: ``It is unlikely there will be any criminal prosecution arising out of this but these matters are now subject to a police investigation on behalf of the coroner.''

The couple were found dead at 2.50pm on Sunday. Police were called to their house in Compit Hills after reports of gunshots.